Whangārei Girls’ High warns students of potential stranger danger

Whangārei Girls' High School is warning students to take care to and from school. Photo / NZME

A Northland high school is sounding a warning after two senior students were approached on their way to school by a man who tried to get them into his car.

Whangārei Girls’ High School principal Sonya Lockyer said the students coped with the Thursday morning incident, then reported it to a teacher. The school notified police.

Fortunately, such incidents were rare, Lockyer said.

However, the school wanted to ensure all students and their whānau were alert to the possible danger.

Parents and caregivers were asked to remind students to be mindful of their surroundings to and from school and not to accept rides from people they did not know.

Students could keep themselves safer by walking with others, Lockyer said. It was important to report any incident to police or the school immediately.

Sarah Curtis is a general news reporter for the Northern Advocate. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in journalism, most spent court reporting in Gisborne and on the East Coast. She is passionate about covering stories that make a difference, especially those involving environmental issues.